Vietnam and Cambodia Odyssey

A leisurely yet enthralling itinerary that takes its time to travel from the mountainous and humid north of Vietnam through to the wealthier colonial south then along the sultry Mekong Delta to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Encompassing five nights of cruising and four train journeys this tour covers all the iconic sights you would expect with the added bonus of no internal flights.

Tour Itinerary

1

UK to Hanoi

Depart London on your overnight flight to Hanoi.

2

Hanoi

You will be met on arrival by your guide who'll accompany you to your hotel. After some time to relax enjoy dinner and a traditional Water Puppet Performance.

Dinner

3

Hanoi

A full day tour of this historic city begins with the Ho Chi Minh Complex where the father of modern day Vietnam declared the nation's independence in 1945. Visit sites including the Presidential Palace built by the French colonialists in the early 20th century, Ho Chi Minh's House of Stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda. After lunch, you will learn about Vietnam's ethnic groups in the Museum of Ethnology. Later return to the lively Old Quarter to explore this bustling commercial centre on cyclo, a two person cycle carriage.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

4

Hanoi to Halong Bay

This memorable day marks the start of your two-night cruise around the awe-inspiring Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a vision of ethereal beauty. You'll explore these marvellous islands, intricate limestone rock formations and hidden wave-eroded grottoes on a luxury cruise boat. Begin with a visit to Vung Vieng Fishing village by rowing boat, a floating settlement dating back hundreds of years. After lunch, there'll be some time to swim and relax on Ban Chan sandy beach before continuing your journey to Cong Do where the boat will anchor overnight. Finish your day with a local cookery demonstration before enjoying a delicious set dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

5

Halong Bay

Begin your day with some calming Tai Chi on the boat's deck or watch the sun rise from your cabin before setting off for a more active day on the water. Cruise to some of the bay's more untouched areas, making stops for swimming and sightseeing. Spend the evening relaxing on board with a spa treatment (at a fee).

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

6

Halong Bay to Hue

Rise early for your final water excursion - a trip to explore the well-hidden and prehistoric Thien Canh Son cave before a farewell brunch and arrival on the mainland. Enjoy an early dinner back in Hanoi before boarding a sleeper train for an overnight journey to Hue.

Breakfast & Dinner

7

Hue

Enjoy the morning view from your window as the train approaches its final destination. The first visit of the day is to the Citadel of Hue, a large fortress built in the 18th century whose architectural style takes inspiration from both the Forbidden City in Beijing and the military principles of the French army. Then continue to the partially ruined Dien Tho Residence before visiting Thai Hoa Palace and finally to Thien Mu pagoda and the Imperial tomb of Emperor Minh Mang.

Lunch & Dinner

8

Hue to Hoi An

After breakfast, you'll board the train for a trip along the Reunification Railway to Danang that links Hanoi to Saigon. The train glides through the world class scenic route that runs along the South China Sea, snaking between jungle-covered cliffs and past white beaches, finally heading through lush green mountains to reach Danang. Take some time to relax at your hotel or explore the area before reconvening for dinner.

Breakfast & Dinner

9

Hoi An

Your morning in Hoi An will begin with a walking tour of the town, taking you past traditional Japanese merchant houses, ancient Chinese tea warehouses and finishes at the Pagoda Bridge, an early 17th-century Japanese temple that spans across the waterway. After lunch, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the myriad of silk and tailor shops or simply take in the views over a coffee at one of the many waterside cafes.

Breakfast & Lunch

10

Hoi An to Nha Trang

Following breakfast at your hotel, it's time to board the train for the day-long journey south to the coastal city of Nha Trang, widely considered to be home to one of the most beautiful bays in the word. Arrive in the late evening and check into your hotel.

Breakfast

11

Nha Trang

Today you will enjoy a day of island hopping, starting with a trip to Mun Island, the premium spot for snorkelling in Nha Trang, blessed with a wealth of colourful coral reefs and marine life. Enjoy lunch on Con Se Tre island before returning to your hotel to refresh, have dinner, then board the overnight train to Saigon.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

12

Saigon

The train arrives into Saigon in the early hours so you'll be transferred straight to your hotel with time to enjoy breakfast. Spend the afternoon touring Saigon's highlights with a visit to the Reunification Palace as well as nearby Notre Dame Cathedral. Next travel to the French-style Saigon Post Office then finishes at the Ben Thanh Market, a symbol of the bustling city where colourful stalls are packed to the rafters with fresh fruit and tourist kitsch.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

13

Saigon

After breakfast travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an impressive network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. This immense labyrinth of 75 miles in length once housed hospitals, weapon factories and living quarters. Return to Saigon for an afternoon and evening at leisure.

Breakfast & Lunch

14

Saigon to Mekong Cruise

Leaving Saigon behind, embark on a three-night cruise along the fascinating network of rivers in the Mekong Delta that will journey all the way up to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. First visit Can Tho, the largest town on the Delta, cruising gently through picturesque canals and waterways, taking in the sultry scenery and daily activities of the Mekong people. Continue to Cai Be where there'll be a guided walk to a rural village, passing lush green orchards and the chance to meet the locals.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

15

Mekong Cruise

Depart early in the morning with an excursion on long rowing sampan boats allowing you to meander through the small canals of Tan Phong islet. This afternoon the boats will moor at the charming colonial town of Sa Dec. Famous for its beautiful flower gardens, the small, sleepy town is truly a hidden gem on the Mekong Delta. Return to the vessel for a sunset cruise and dinner on board.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

16

Mekong Cruise

Arrive at Cao Lanh in the morning and after breakfast disembark for a morning excursion to Tan Thuan Dong islet where you can enjoy a gentle cycle around the winding roads or simply explore the area by foot. As the boat manoeuvres through Cho Vam canal, you are invited to a sunset cocktail party on the top deck.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

17

Mekong to Phnom Penh

After an early breakfast you will be transferred to Phnom Penh by speedboat where you'll be met with the coach to begin your tour of the capital of Cambodia. Begin with a visit to the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866, and marvel at the ornately gilded Khmer roofs, beguiling throne hall, solid gold-encrusted Buddha and Silver Pagoda. Next visit the National Museum that houses a collection of Khmer art, notably sculptures, throughout the ages. Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

18

Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

This morning includes a guided tour of Toul Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, both grim reminders of Cambodia's bloody past. These excursions may prove distressing for some but are important pieces of Cambodia's historical and cultural puzzle. Later this afternoon continue by coach to Siem Reap.

Breakfast & Dinner

19

Siem Reap

Watch the sunrise over the 12th century Angkor Wat temple complex, the best-preserved temple boasting fascinating decorative flourishes that took 30 years to build and represents Khmer civilisation at its grandest. Next visit Angkor Thom, a group of buildings that surpass Angkor Watt in splendour and grandiosity. Start at the Southern Gate, flanked by a row of 54 stone figures on each side, followed by the Bayon and its beautifully crafted central towers. From here you visit Baphoun, Phimeanakas and the Elephant Terrace, once used as a giant viewing stand for public ceremonies. Lastly see Ta Prohm, undoubtedly the most atmospheric ruin at Angkor. That has been left to be swallowed by the jungle and is the perfect place to watch the sunset. Conclude the day with dinner and an Apsara dance performance.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

20

Siem Reap to UK

Depart Siem Reap for your return flight back to the UK via Hanoi or continue on to your chosen extension.

Breakfast

Important Information

Visas

Vietnam
A visa is required for entry into Vietnam. You can apply for an e-visa online at https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. The cost of the visa is approximately USD $25 and will take roughly 3 working days. Alternatively, we work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa for you on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote Mercury Holidays. The cost of the visa through The Travel Visa Company is £105. The visas take around 10 working days to issue and are only valid for 3 months from the date of entry. Therefore we recommend that you apply for your visa 8 weeks before travel, however, please be aware that your passport will be required for the application so make sure that you will not need it during this time. You can also visit the Embassy of Vietnam in London: 12-14 Victoria Road, London, W8 5RD. This visa information is a guideline only and is subject to change; up-to-date information regarding the process and fees will be advised at the time of calling the Travel Visa Company.
Cambodia
A visa is required for entry into Cambodia and this can be purchased on arrival at the airport in Siem Reap. The cost of this is approximately USD $30 per person. Please note that you will be required to bring a passport photo with you as well as USD $30 cash in order to apply for your visa on arrival into Cambodia. A visa will need to be paid for again if entering Cambodia a second time, at the same cost of USD $30 (for example if you are taking both the Laos extension and the Cambodia extension).
Laos
A visa is required for entry into Laos and this can be purchased on arrival at the airport in Luang Prabang. The cost of this is approximately USD $35 per person and you will need to bring the money in cash in order to apply for your visa on arrival into Laos, you will also be required to bring two passport photos. Visa requirements are subject to change and obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the traveller and not Mercury Holidays. We recommend you check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking

Payment

If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £49pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

Flight Information

Your initial flight is to Hanoi International Airport with Vietnam Airlines (VN), departing from London Heathrow Terminal 4. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking, lounges or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extra Tel. 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313. Each passenger is entitled to 30kg of hold luggage. Hand luggage: One piece not exceeding 7Kg and with maximum total dimensions not exceeding 115 cm (56cm x 36cm x 23 cm). Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in.

Health and Vaccinations

It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

Physical Accessibility

This tour is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves climbing steep stairs and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

Group Size

The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 36. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

Tour Guide

This is an escorted tour, meaning that you will have the services of an English speaking guide during each excursion ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.

Currency Information

The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND) and the currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHM). We recommend that you take some US Dollars (USD) with you and exchange this currency whilst you are travelling.

Personal Expenses

You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any dinners where these are not mentioned on your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £600-£700 per person should be sufficient for the duration of your tour. Tipping is not compulsory and is at your discretion. Should you wish to tip, you can give this to your guide and driver when you leave them in each place. If you feel you have received a good level of service, we recommend approximately £2 ($3) per person per day for the guide and driver. This will be collected at the end of each destination visited for your convenience. Tips are accepted in the local currency, US dollars and British pounds.

Additional Expenses

Visas

Insurance

Tips

Any meals not specified in your itinerary

Itinerary Changes

Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed, however, the order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the regional flights within and between South-East Asian countries are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times.

Important to note:

Please note that an extra night in Siem Reap is required at the end of the tour for the following dates, 24th April, 3rd May, 10th May, 17th May, 31st May, 6th Sep, 4th & 25th Oct 2019. (Unless you are taking an extension then an extra night will not be required)

Please note for 10th and 17th May departures

We have been informed by our local agent in Vietnam that the Mekong Explorer cruise will be undergoing renovations in May and will, therefore, be unable to accommodate your group. We have organised for your group to stay on the Mekong Eyes classic cruise for 3 nights; Rest assured all inclusions are as per your original itinerary.

What to expect

Fact File

Currency

Dong

Average Flying time

12 hours

Min/Max temperature

12 °C / 37 °C

Spoken languages

Vietnamese

When to go

Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.

Vietnam

Cambodia

What to pack

Insect repellent

Suncream and a hat

Comfortable walking shoes

Sunglasses

Rucksack or light bag per person

Personal toiletries

First aid kit

Travel plug adapter

Customer Rating:

10/10

Patricia Ness

20th Mar 2019

Beautiful hotels...some spectacular.
This trip has probably been the most amazing experience travel wise of my life. Absolutely everything was arranged for us and everything worked. I do not have one single complaint or suggestion to improve it. The whole visit will stay with me long after the tan has faded. Well done Mercury. You will definitely be seeing us again.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

8.8/10

Diane Woodsell

21st Feb 2019

All hotels were very good.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

8.8/10

Dr Andrew Earwaker

15th Feb 2019

All the hotels were very good. The use of our room until 6pm on the date of departure was a very welcome touch.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Linda Rudland

9th Feb 2019

All hotels were 4 star standard and very nice. Luang Prabang and Tara Ankor, Cambodia being the best. This trip ran like clockwork.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

7.5/10

Rosemary Stone

Customer Rating:

10/10

T Day

13th Dec 2018

The guides in Vietnam were excellent. The days where a meal wasn't included the guides provided us with a packed lunch.
When we first arrived the guide in Hanoi took note of my dietary requirements and passed this onto the next guide, it continued through the Vietnam trip. The guides obviously spoke in advance to the restaurants, as the food that was served to me was gluten free and no meat. Very Efficient.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Michael Littlejohns

9th Dec 2018

It was a shame that we went over by one day to 16 days in Vietnam, so we had to buy a visa, as you can go to Vietnam for 15 days without one.

Also I would have liked longer in Cambodia, as we paid for a visa just for 3 days, and could have seen more., if we had a little more time

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Christine Whalley

4th Dec 2018

for 4 star hotels they were great

Overall Satisfaction

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Customer Rating:

10/10

Ian Trimble

4th Dec 2018

Excellent hotels. The food offered was excellent throughout, especially in Vietnam. If anything, the food on offer was too generous - smaller amounts would have sufficed. The food was quite 'westernised', which probably suited our touring party - though we really enjoyed the more authentic dishes served on occasion, e.g. in Nha Trang

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Customer Rating:

10/10

Ian Sargent

3rd Dec 2018

No complaints whatsoever!

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Customer Rating:

10/10

Susan Dowty

23rd Nov 2018

The hotels used were all excellent except for the ones in Saigon and Hanoi. These two were good, but not excellent. (The breakfast in Saigon was poor.)

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

8.8/10

Barbara Archer

19th Nov 2018

Just to say thank you all so much - neither I nor my Husband would not have known how to put such an amazing itinerary together! - On our journey, we came across the truly worldly backpackers so we can assume we were on the right route for true exploration - we proudly call ourselves 'flashpackers' as we followed an adventurous (but well-organised) trail too!

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Customer Rating:

10/10

Iain Shepherd

6th Nov 2018

Hotels were all of a good to very good

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Richard Triscott

6th Nov 2018

All hotels were of an excellent standard

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

8.8/10

Jeffrey Banham

5th Nov 2018

Hotels were all fine- no problems,

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Gwen Nash

2nd Nov 2018

Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The guides,hotels and the itinerary was excellent.
Value for money.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Gary Younger

30th Oct 2018

Hotels gave excellent service

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Susan Bonney

26th Oct 2018

All the hotels used were excellent. Lovely spacious rooms , very comfortable beds and varied delicious breakfast- you could literally have anything you wanted.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Graham Barnett

12th Oct 2018

All better than expected

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Patrick Mylon

6th Oct 2018

All the hotels were very good.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

8.8/10

Anthony Jones

23rd Jun 2018

Just one big let down was the fact swimming pools were either shut due to maintenance or too small to make a decent swim of it.

Overall Satisfaction

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Customer Rating:

10/10

Stephen Croft

9th Jun 2018

All the hotels used were excellent

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

8.8/10

Nicola Greenwood

4th Jun 2018

The hotel Santi in Laos was by far the best, we would have loved to have stayed there longer, tropical, beautiful, it felt like we had stepped back in time, a 'rest day' and extra night would have been welcomed there.
We asked to change rooms in one hotel as the bath was recessed and difficult to access for my mother but this was addressed with no problem by the guide

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

8.8/10

John Mutter

2nd Jun 2018

Hotels were of a good standard with the exception of the one in Saigon which was poor. Small rooms, with grubby walls and inadequate lighting. Breakfast was not up to the standard provided by all other hotels / boats.
Hotel in Siem Reap was the best.

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Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Christopher Chilvers

25th May 2018

all hotels used where of excellent quality

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Derek & Val Hoit

6th Apr 2018

All hotels were of excellent standard for their rating. Clean ,comfortable, attentive staff and with good breakfasts!
Halong Bay & Mekong Delta cruise ships were excellent.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Lawrence Richards

25th Mar 2018

All the hotels and river cruisers were excellent and of a very high standard

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Linda Holt

21st Mar 2018

The tour was very enjoyable but a couple of things would have made it better. After the first night time train journey from Halong Bay to Hue we were taken directly from the train for a long sightseeing tour of the area. Everybody was very tired and didn't enjoy it. It would have been much better to go to the hotel for a rest first. The train journey from Hoi An to Nha Trang was incredibly long. For some reason we were put on the slower train (11 hours) instead of the faster one as per our itinerary. Sometimes it felt as though we didn't have enough time in some places to really explore. Angkor Wat is an amazing place but the day could have been planned better. Instead of watching the sunrise and then going back to the hotel for breakfast we should have carried on with the tour whilst it was cooler and quieter. We could have taken a packed breakfast with us. We also left the site to have lunch and it felt as though we didn't have enough time to see all the temples. I'm not sure that we saw all the things that were on the itinerary.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Susan Picton

2nd Mar 2018

All hotels were excellent except for the Saigon stay which was not at all welcoming. I also have to voice my concern that I had to share 2 overnight train journeys with a member of the opposite sex as I was travelling solo. Whilst he was a complete gentleman, I don't think this was appropriate & I'm sure the single supplement should cover my own compartment.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

8.8/10

Joon Fordham

16th Feb 2018

Can not fault the hotels or their service

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

8.8/10

Elaine Hinds

6th Feb 2018

Hotels on tour varied between adequate and very good.
Unfortunately the beach stay hotel was not of a good standard. The Independance Hotel is very tired and really showing its age 55 years. In general hotel a bit scruffy, very poor breakfast offering, unhappy & unmotivated staff and remotely located.
The resort itself offers little of interest and a very poor food offering. All in all a disappointing end to what had been an excellent tour.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Geoffrey Hyde

13th Nov 2017

All hotels were of excellent standards.
Giang (Hanoi) was the best guide we've ever encountered, she's a real plus to your company.
The other guides were very good.
All restaurants used were excellent except for the final evening in Siem Reap. The show was OK, however the group would have prefered to have revisited the superb afternoon restaurantand enjoyed superb food and our own company to reminise on our holiday together.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Jim And Diana Davies

10th Nov 2017

All of the hotels exceeded our expectations.In each we had twin king sized beds, large screen tv, tea and coffee making facilities,and complementary fruit and bottled water.All bathrooms had showers, and some had a bath.They were well equipped with towels, and all had complementary shower gel and shampoo, together with sealed toothbrushes and several other boxed products.
Breakfasts were amazing. I counted forty three different types of food on offer, both Vietnamese and European, from beef stew with noodles, to toast and marmalade.

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